Feeling optimistic (ish). Our style of play IS effective until the final chance, but at some point that will come good - it did last season. Plus, we have to be realistic, for all his strengths MR is a creature of routine and will not change his formation unless forced.
I’d bring Kelly back as an experienced head in the middle and unfortunately that would be for one of Westbrooke or Shipley, probably the latter as he had a quieter game against MK. I’d push Walsh slightly forward, as he’s good on the ball and I’d like to see him with it in a more advanced position.
O’Hare is wasted out wide, but if we get the system working as it should and get quicker ball forward he is very capable of being effective in an outside forward role. I know people are bemoaning the loss of Jobellos width, but the outside strikers aren’t supposed to be wingers. If him and Hiwula make lots of runs through the inside channels and off the back of defenders, I’d back all three midfielders to pick them out.
Im not a boo boy like the majority, but unfortunately Baka is a weak link. He has attributes but can’t seem to make them work and as such we carry him, especially in this system.
I hope we have some attacking threats on the bench other than Biamou and Kasteener. I’d prefer to see some of the on form and rated U23’s given a chance. I still believe there’s a player somewhere in Kast, but on current form he’s useless and doesn’t work in a footballing team.
Let’s hope we do something tonight as for all the positives of a young team, confidence will be more fragile.
Also, I expect Ched Evans to have a good game, for all the moral issues, he’s a good striker.
2-1 City.
Fingers crossed we take our first chance and have a fun night!
